A report to go before Tamworth Regional Council tomorrow night recommends shifting from a compulsory to voluntary display system.

Elderly and disabled residents incapable of watering with buckets can apply for a permit for limited use of hand-held hoses.

To assist with compliance, successful applicants must display a sign “in a visible position at all times” for the duration of the bi-weekly 15-minute watering slots.

Councillor Juanita Wilson’s concern the signs identify homes as “vulnerable households” received plenty of community support.

The report states local police “do not believe there are any issues associated with the display of the exemption signs at this stage”.

Nevertheless, water sustainability officer Ian Lobban suggests giving residents a choice of whether to display the signs or not.

“If a resident wants to continue to place the sign on public display to avoid unwanted criticism or potentially a letter of complaint to council, they can, but it will no longer be mandatory,” he wrote.

Cr Wilson said the change would be “significant and necessary” and came at “no major impost” on council resources.

“If approved, the recommendation will allow residents with exemptions the security of not having to display a sign that indicates their vulnerability,” she said.

Council is poised to launch a community consultation campaign in the coming weeks inviting feedback on possible changes to its drought management plan.

The plan, which has undergone a number of revisions since its inception in 2007, outlines how council will respond to “minimise the risk of the community running out of water” in times of drought.